When you’re a pedestrian or bicyclist involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, the consequences can be severe and life-altering. Understanding the steps to take after you are hit by a motor vehicle—including when to talk to a Washington pedestrian accident lawyer—can help to ensure your rights are protected and your ability to seek proper compensation is secured.
In Washington, accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians are often a result of issues like driver distraction, failure to yield the right of way, and traffic signal violations. Some of these accidents involve children and occur in school speed zones, even when signs are posted. These accidents can result in long-term or even fatal injuries for victims.
Depending on the issues—including the cause of the accident and the extent of injuries after being hit by a car—victims may be entitled to seek compensation through legal action. This is where the assistance of an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer becomes essential.
Attorney Marya Fuller is a specialist in accident and injury law with over three decades of experience in representing pedestrians and bicyclists who have been in accidents. She is here to assess your claim, provide an overview of your options, and help you choose the best course of action.
To schedule a FREE case review at Fuller & Fuller Attorneys, PLLC, call us at 800-570-4878 today. We maintain offices in Olympia and Tacoma. We serve victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents living throughout Washington.
What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident
Your safety is the priority immediately following a pedestrian or bicycle accident. If you can, move to a safe location and check yourself for injuries. If you feel like you have even minor injuries, it’s important to undergo a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or head trauma, may not be immediately apparent.
While not every bicycle or pedestrian accident will require an accident report, it’s a good idea to contact the police anyway. If damages are expected to surpass $1,000, Washington State Law requires the accident to be reported within four days. Accidents involving injury should always be reported immediately.
Document the scene if you’re able to do so. Take photographs of the accident from multiple angles, along with your injuries, and, if you were cycling, any damages to your bicycle. Be sure to also collect contact information from witnesses and the driver involved. These details can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
Many pedestrian accidents result in serious injury. In these cases, taking action at the scene of the accident may prove impossible. If you are unable to document the scene or collect contact information, your pedestrian accident lawyer can work to gather this evidence during their investigation.
How Serious Are My Injuries?
Pedestrian and bicycle accident injuries can range from slight bumps and bruises to fractures and broken bones. Head injuries—including concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries—are common as well, even when a helmet is worn.
Spinal cord injuries are another frequent consequence of bicycle and pedestrian accidents, potentially leading to varying degrees of paralysis. Other significant traumas may involve internal bleeding, organ damage, or severe lacerations that require surgical intervention. Such injuries not only demand immediate medical attention but can also lead to long-term or permanent disabilities, profoundly impacting your quality of life and ability to work.
Given these risks, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible after the incident. A thorough medical examination can identify injuries that are not immediately noticeable but could have significant long-term effects. Proper documentation of your injuries by healthcare professionals can play an important role in seeking compensation through insurance claims or legal action.
This detailed assessment of your injuries will serve as the foundation for any claims for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. An experienced personal injury attorney, like Marya Fuller, can help you understand how the details of your medical treatment impact your legal rights and options for recovery.
Fatal Accidents Involving Pedestrians and Cyclists
In addition to serious injury, death is a possible consequence of these accidents. When you lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. Reach out today to schedule a confidential and FREE consultation to learn more about your rights.
How Can I Tell If I Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
If you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, it is a good idea to talk to an attorney. This is true even if you have received an offer from insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages. In some cases, insurance offers are well below what you can receive through a personal injury lawsuit, particularly when damages such as pain and suffering are taken into account.
Having a lawyer with sufficient experience handling pedestrian and bicycle accident claims is a good way to make sure your legal rights are protected while you focus on the process of recovery.
At Fuller & Fuller, our Washington pedestrian accident lawyers can investigate your claim to establish liability, assess your damages to determine their worth, and build a strong case to support your claim. We are prepared to negotiate with insurance companies to protect your best interests and, when necessary, take your claim to court to fight for just compensation.
Contact Our Washington Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
The pedestrian accident lawyers at Fuller & Fuller have been serving victims of serious injury in Washington for more than 50 years. Thoughtful, attentive, and effective, we are prepared to advocate tirelessly on your behalf and help you seek the fair and full compensation your injury demands.
If you have been hit by a car while walking or biking, contact Fuller & Fuller Attorneys, PLLC to schedule a FREE consultation today. We fight for the rights of families and individuals throughout Washington. Let our family help your family.
